When abnormal cells in ovaries begin to multiply and take the form of a tumor, the body is affected by ovarian cancer. It takes place in the ovaries. The female reproductive system contains two ovaries, each about the size of an almond, located on each side of the uterus. The ovaries have two female glands that produce ova and eggs. These organs also produce female hormones progesterone and estrogen. Ovarian cancer remains undetected until it affects the abdomen and the pelvic area. It is easier to treat the disease in its early stages if it is confined to the ovary. However, it is difficult once cancer spreads out. The two main treatments for ovarian cancer are surgery and chemotherapy.

The early symptoms of ovarian cancer are similar to many common illnesses and therefore it is easy to overlook them. In case any of these symptoms persist over two weeks, a person should see a doctor. The early signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer include:

• Bloating
• Unexpected vaginal bleeding
• Changes in urination patterns
• Quickly feeling full after eating
• Changes in bowel habits such as constipation
• Abdominal pain and Back pain
• Discomfort in the pelvic area
• Weight loss

Other symptoms of the disease include fatigue, painful intercourse, menstrual irregularities, indigestion, heartburn and dermatomyositis (a rare swelling that can cause skin itches, rashes, muscle weakness, and inflamed muscles).

Explained in detail are a few main treatments for ovarian cancer:

Surgery
It is the most common method to remove the cancerous growth, performed best under a qualified gynecologic oncologist. Most women go through surgery at some point during the course of this disease. There are three techniques for surgery:

• Initial surgery
• Second-look surgery
• Additional debulking surgery or surgery for recurrent cancer

Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the process of radiation to treat cancer using medicines designed to destroy cancer cells and stop them from further growth. It helps in shrinking the size of the tumor prior to surgery or radiation therapy and destroy cells that might have spread.

The chemotherapy medicines are usually administered at a cancer center or hospital. They are given in one of the following ways:

• Mouth
• Injection shot
• Intravenously
• IP (Intraperitoneal)

Radiation
Radiation therapy uses high energy X-rays to shrink the tumor and kill cancer cells. It is often used in other parts of the body where cancer has spread. Under this treatment, the radiation passes through the skin and other tissues before it reaches the tumor. These can cause side effects like fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and skin irritation.

However, this therapy is rarely used in the country in the treatment for ovarian cancer.

The symptoms discussed above are extremely common and women often treat them at home with common care. If they are not due to ovarian cancer, the symptoms wean away in time with simple treatments. However, if the above symptoms persist and are more likely to be caused by ovarian cancer, then a patient must seek main treatments for ovarian cancer after consulting with a qualified gynecologist.